Ottawa police hand out leaflets warning downtown protesters to leave
CTV
Ottawa police have begun handing out leaflets to protesters downtown, warning them to leave the area or face criminal charges.
Police began handing out a 'notice to demonstration participants' on Wellington Street and the surrounding area Wednesday morning, where 'Freedom Convoy' demonstrators have been camped out for 20 days.
"You must leave this area now," the notice says. "Anyone blocking streets, or assisting others in the blocking streets, are committing a criminal offence and you may be arrested. You must immediately cease further unlawful activity or you will face charges."
The move is a sign that police are stepping up enforcement efforts to end the trucker protest occupation after nearly three weeks. The notice cites the federal Emergencies Act, which the prime minister invoked on Monday, saying it allows for the prohibition of travel to, from or within specific areas.
"That means anyone coming to Ottawa for the purpose of joining the ongoing occupation is breaking the law," it says, adding that the act also allows police to seize vehicles that are part of the demonstration.
